Apr 11, 2012

Author: SBC Kiteboard

The Slingshot Rally was a popular design last year, and its success is built on its set-it-and-forget-it, low-end power, fast and responsive pivotal turning, and superb stability and range. This year, the Rally has been tweaked to offer a competitive advantage for riders who want instant de-power in a kite. The flat delta canopy shape gave the kite a good amount of low-end power, and the sensitive trimming let testers find that perfect upwind drive. Easy jumping with nice glide overhead, the Rally boosted nice airs and reacted quickly to bar input for soft landings. It had all the elements required for success in any conditions, capable unhooked pop for wakestyle, and good drift and balance for waveriding. The steering was direct and intuitive for freeride blasters. The water relaunch was superb on the Rally, as the lightweight frame and swept canopy allowed it to pivot easily from the helmet-down position. This was one of the test riders’ top choice for waveriding, and its a kite that any-level rider can enjoy. Beginners can hold onto this kite well into more advanced levels of riding in waves or freestyle without fear of losing out on higher performance levels.

WHAT THE SBC TEST TEAM RIDERS ARE SAYING:“The Rally has fast pivotal turns that have no pull, which is ideal for applications like waveriding or for beginners who don’t want to get yarded too hard when they make a mistake.” “I love the fact this kite has no pulleys but has such amazing instant and arm’s length de-power.”

Gentle-pulling pivots take away some excitementIn certain instances it’s beneficial to have power that’s generated through the turns, like when you want to transition with more power.

2013 Freeride Kite Reviews: Head-to-Head May 23, 2013 2013 FREERIDE KITES: PERFORMANCE THAT MATTERS
words by Shane Thompson and the SBC Kiteboard Test Team photos by Dave Marshall
At the end of October 2012, the...